Now, I don’t know if you remember when I started this blog out, I mentioned that I, in my totally natural, do-what-pleases-me state of mind, am not a planner. But I’ve come to learn that setting goals is really important to A) having life run a little more smoothly, and B) seeing progress. And I like seeing progress.
- Use headers for each area of improvement I’d like in my life. That might be one area, or several. The ones I use are: God (but you could use spiritual, or the like), Body, Home, Mind, and Relationships.
- Set concrete goals. Be specific. For example, instead of “workout more” I say “workout 5 days a week.”
- Involve others where you can. One of my specific goals is to “run at least 2 races” (I’ve already decided on the 5k’s I’ll be running), and “do 2 bigger hikes.” To me, this is a two-for-one deal because I know (though it’s not written here) that I’ll be doing those with my friends and/or family, and I’ve already solicited their involvement. Doing goals with others can help to motivate you to actually achieving them, and you’ll build relationships and memories with those you love.
- Set personal growth goals. These are things you might do with someone else, but often they are done on your own. For me, this usually falls under spiritual study, although I also have goals that are for my mind as well.
- Be firm in your goals. Instead of “I’d like to” I simply put the things I will do.
- Understand what motivates you, and use that to your advantage. Are the results enough? Or do you also need a reward system as you achieve your goals? Do you need to lose weight? One of the ladies that came to my denim party bought an adorable pair of jeans a size or two too small so that she would have the motivation to take off the weight she put on this year. She had been that size before and knew it was obtainable. This brings me to:
- Set goals that you can reach. If setting quarterly goals, instead of yearly goals, helps you to accomplish something, then do it. No one will judge you, and when you feel that sense of accomplishment, it will spur you on to the next level.
- Understand that some goals take daily practice, and create a daily routine that will allow you to accomplish your goals.
- Check up on yourself at regular intervals. I like to do it once a week, but you could do it more or less frequently as needed.
- Realize you are human. You will miss days of practice, you will forget that you set a certain goal, and you might even fall short of your intended outcome. However, accepting that it happened and making a renewed vow, or adjusting your goal to a more realistic one, is better than giving up.
So here are the goals I’ve set for 2011. There are a lot. You might not start with this many. Since I’ve already rambled on quite a bit, I won’t put the specifics of how each goal will be accomplished. Besides, I’m sure you’ll see the fruits of that in weekly goals.
- Daily scripture study
- Daily personal prayers
- Pray with Jason
- Attend temple once a month
BODY
- Exercise 5x per week
- Run at least 2 races (5k)
- Go on at least 2 bigger hikes
- Eat more purposefully, convert to a 75% vegetarian diet
MIND
- Read at least two books per month, one for enjoyment, other for education
- Stay up to date on current events
- Journal once a week
RELATIONSHIPS
- Spend more time with friends and extended family; invite friends or extended family to dinner at least 4 times throughout the year
- Sister’s day/sister’s activity/sister’s trip
- Call grandma every month
- Daily dedicated time to children
- More love time with Jason
HOME
- A place for everything, everything in it’s place
- Food storage organization
- Simplify/declutter
- Garden
I’d love to hear what you’d like to accomplish in 2011. I also think it’s great to share it with others, for a little bit of accountability. So…I’d love it if you joined my 2011 goals link party! I’ve never done one of these before, but I hope you’ll join in and spread the word! Simply fill out the box below!
